Edward Patocka

The Mass of Christian Burial for Edward J. Patocka Jr., 95, was Saturday, Dec. 26, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hennessey officiated by Rev. Ed Menasco and Rev. Jeff Kelly.

Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

Edward was born Sept. 2, 1925, to Edward G. and Rose Schovanec Patocka on the farm east of Hennessey.

He grew up less than two miles from the love of his life, Vivian V. Vaverka and on Oct. 14, 1954, they were married.

They were together until he lost his sweet Vivian Nov. 9, 2000. Edward went to see his Heavenly Father Monday, Dec. 21, 2020.

Edward spent his entire life working the farm his dad homesteaded. He also drove the school bus for Hennessey Public Schools more than 30 years.

Since he loved watching the games and activities so much, driving the activity bus was an enjoyment as well as a job.

Edward is survived by one daughter, Patricia Penquite and husband Bill of Bartlesville; two sons, Charles Patocka and wife Tammy, Jimmy Patocka and wife Ann, all of Hennessey; grandchildren Jonathan Penquite, Kara Penquite, Jenny O’Hair and husband Matt, Tabitha and husband Christopher Gilliland, Austin Patocka, Richard Ridenhour, Michael Mayes, Amy Mayes, Michlynn and husband Billy Chaney; two brothers-in-law, Wilford Vaverka and Ronnie Vaverka; and one sister-in-law, Helen Patocka.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Vivian, brother Stanley and two sisters, Doris Jones and Rosetta Felber.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Furever Friends animal shelter with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.